Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

Overview

If you notice symptoms of a PDA in your baby, tell your healthcare provider. Your provider may hear a patent ductus arteriosus heart murmur during a well-baby care visit or physical examination.

What tests do providers use to diagnose patent ductus arteriosus?

If your healthcare provider suspects PDA, they may recommend referral to a specialist, a pediatric cardiologist. The pediatric cardiologist may order certain tests, including:

Chest X-ray.
Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound).
Electrocardiogram (EKG).

Do healthcare providers diagnose PDA in adults?

Healthcare providers sometimes diagnose PDA in adults. If you had a small PDA as a baby, you may not have gotten treatment. Symptoms can include:

Heart murmur.
Heart palpitations.
Pulmonary hypertension.

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

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